Wedding rehearsals can be very confusing and emotional, especially for couples who are planning their own wedding from start to finish. If you have a wedding consultant or a coordinator at the venue, they will likely guide you through the process. But, if you’re having a smaller affair and would rather ‘DIY’ and save some money, here are some wedding rehearsal tips.
- Don’t plan your rehearsal for the night before the wedding! If at all possible, taking into consideration your family, the wedding party, and the venue’s schedule. Having an extra full day before the wedding gives you time to take care of any details that come up during the rehearsal. You may have forgotten something and will be happy to have one more day to finalize everything. Plus it gives you an extra day to breathe and pack for your honeymoon!
- Make sure that your consultant or coordinator has a list of the wedding party’s names, ushers, who seats the parents and grandparents, and whether you’d like the groomsmen to walk with the bridesmaids or walk up first with the groom and the officiant. Get this list to them (or call) before the rehearsal and take a copy with you, so that it goes smoother and takes a lot less time. If you are a DIY couple, you should still have a list for yourself, including who walks with who and when. If you get nervous or stressed, you have it in front of you.
- Encourage everyone included in the rehearsal to be on time. Keep in mind that your consultant, coordinator and officiant (if present) may have other appointments that day or evening, and possibly another wedding to prepare for. More than 70 per cent of the rehearsals I have attended have been held up due to late-comers.
- Until you are walking down the aisle, it’s never too late to make changes. Remember that this is your day. By the time of the rehearsal, you will most likely know exactly what you want and how you want it to look. It’s okay if you don’t … but don’t let anyone talk you out of your dream! I’ve been to rehearsals where are a lot of family members attend. They’re always so kind to offer their suggestions. They’re only trying to be helpful. But it can drive you to tears when you’re nervous and too much comes at you at once. Assure them you and your beloved have gone over every detail. You know exactly how you want it to go. On the other hand, the rehearsal may show a flaw or two in your original design, and it’s perfectly alright to change things. So, just make sure you bring a pen!
- There is no rule that says that you need a rehearsal. If it’s a casual ceremony or very small wedding party, then it really isn’t necessary. But, if it’s going to make you feel more comfortable, then by all means, take advantage of it! Usually any venue, ours included, will allow you to stop by a couple of days beforehand to do a quick run-through.
- Whether you’ve been making plans for a week or for over a year, your day is finally almost here! The most important tip I have for you is to have fun. Laughter and smiles can wipe away any stress faster than any list can. And that’s a fact!